Norquist countered that at an event as enormous as CPAC, there’s nothing wrong with a good song and dance act to leaven the occasion.

“I think there’s always a combination of somebody’s in the big city [to attend CPAC] and wants to see people he only sees on TV in person — hence, bringing the guy who’s the flavor of the month, hence, somebody like Trump,” Norquist said. “Same thing with Sarah Palin. Is she running for something next week? No, but she’s famous.